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Seizures are uncontrolled spasms or convulsions. Most often, seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in your brain — these are called epileptic seizures.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical help for seizures if:
Dignity Health provides emergency services for many unexpected conditions, including seizures, in Central California. Come to one of our ERs for personal care.
The symptoms you feel depend on the type of seizure you experience. The three most common types of seizures are partial, petit mal, and grand mal (also called generalized tonic-clonic).
After a seizure, you may notice changes in mood and behavior, weakness, and fatigue.
Seizures can be caused by brain trauma or any condition that disrupts normal electrical activity. Possible causes of seizures include:
If you experience repeated seizures, they may be a sign of epilepsy.
A person experiencing a seizure may be unaware of what is happening. Do your best to help the person avoid injury. When the seizure stops, explain what happened in a calm voice.
If you need emergency care for a seizure, your ER doctor may give you antiseizure medication. After the seizure, tell your doctor about any triggers or symptoms and your medical history. You may also need to undergo a series of tests:
If you are diagnosed with recurrent epileptic seizures, your Dignity Health Central California doctor will prescribe medication to prevent or reduce the occurrence of your seizures. Severe cases sometimes require surgery or electrical stimulation. Finding and treating the underlying cause can also stop seizures.
If you need ongoing care for seizures, use our Find a Doctor tool to choose a neurologist close to you.
Dignity Health Central California is here for you during emergencies, such as seizures, in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.